Truly, Madly, Deeply (The Baxters #31) - Karen Kingsbury Page 0,88

don’t let it be a setback. He cleared his throat. “Here.” He took it from her. “It’s probably my wrapping. I made it ironclad.” He shrugged. “I’m a guy. What can I say?”

She laughed. “There was a lot of tape.”

“Exactly.” Of course he had no trouble opening it. Inside the wrapping was a small box. But not a velvet one. He wasn’t sure if she’d be strong enough to open it, but he wasn’t taking any chances. No need to frustrate her. He popped the lid and handed the box to her. “Here, love.”

The moment she saw what was inside she gasped. “Tommy! I love it!” She eased the necklace from the box and it dangled in front of her. It was a simple vintage gold chain with a small heart locket. He had bought it at an antiques store. She looked at him. “It’s beautiful.”

“Open it.” As soon as he said the words, he changed his mind. Better for her to save her energy. He gently took it from her fingers and opened the tiny heart. Inside was a photo of him and Annalee on Karon Beach. His favorite from the trip. And next to it, on the other side, was a tiny Scripture reference.

JEREMIAH

29:11

This was the part of the gift he was most excited about. He handed it back to her and this time she smiled bigger than at any time tonight. “I can’t believe this.” She studied the locket. “I love that pic.”

“It’s us.” He put his hand on her shoulder and tried not to notice how bony it felt. “Remember that day? We were both laughing at something your brother said, and your dad took the picture. Beach in the background, sun on our faces. Laughing like there was nothing tomorrow could do to take our joy.”

“Mmm. You’re the poet, Tommy Baxter. You should be a writer.” She turned her eyes to him again. “There still isn’t anything. That could steal our joy.”

“Which is why I chose that picture. To help you remember…” He gritted his teeth. “When… when it’s tough.” On nights like this, he wanted to say. But he couldn’t get the words out. He couldn’t break down. Not here. Not tonight. Help me stay strong for her, God. Please, help me.

“And the Bible verse.” Her smile looked almost angelic. Annalee’s beautiful smile. “My favorite.”

“Yes.” He leaned closer, brushing his fingers across her forehead. “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘Plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” He took hold of her hand again. “ ‘And not to harm you.’ ”

“Tommy.” She held the locket to her heart. “I love it. I’ll wear it always.”

He thought for a minute. “Except probably not when you play tennis.” With his free hand he made an exaggerated motion of an imaginary locket swinging from side to side.

She laughed out loud. “Oh… so not when I play tennis, then?”

“No.” He tapped his temple. Like he was racking his brain. “And maybe not when you’re swimming.” He nodded at the locket. “Because the picture and… well, water. You know.”

Again she laughed, and the sound was richer than any Christmas carol that night. “You’re so funny.” She made a mock serious face. “Okay. Not when I play tennis and not when I swim.”

“Because you love those things.” He raised his brow at her.

“I do, Tommy.” Her laughter dropped off and the air between them changed. “I do.”

And suddenly there was no way he could stop the tears that filled his eyes. Not just because she couldn’t do those things now. But because of her words. Soft words spoken with the voice he loved more than any in the world.

I do.

“One day…” He took the locket from her and set it on the table near the little tree. Then he sat on the edge of her bed and drew her close. So she was in his arms the way he’d been wanting her to be since he got here. He took her face in his hands and let himself get lost in her eyes. “One day those are the only words I want to hear you say, Annalee. I do.”

He kissed her cheek. “And I’ll say them, too. And we won’t be in this cold, gray… hospital room. We’ll be in front of our family and friends and you’ll be the most beautiful bride ever.” He wiped a tear from her cheek. “And I’ll be yours and you’ll be mine.”

“That was my dream.” She searched his